Who says learning about trash can't be fun? Not the visitors to the Garbage Garage, Larimer County's waste
and recycling education center. Located at the Larimer County Landfill in southern Fort Collins, the center had its
grand opening in April 2003 and continues to host scheduled tour groups as well as drop-in visitors.

Have you ever wondered how a landfill works? Or what gets made out of all that stuff we recycle? Learn how to
safely deal with household hazardous waste. (The average household is home to more than 60 hazardous
materials at any given time, you know!)

You'll begin your adventure through the Garbage Garage by entering the "Mountain of Trash," a tunnel-like hallway
where you'll be surrounded by trash. Meet Patty Packrat, the Garbage Garage "spokesrat," who appears on several displays
throughout the center. In the tunnel, you will learn how much trash you create, where it goes
and what it's made up of. (Did you know that 44 percent of residential trash buried in our landfill is paper?)

From there, choose from a variety of exits into areas depicting methods of handling waste — reducing, reusing,
recycling, or landfilling. Enter the kitchen/garage area to learn what household hazardous wastes are and how to
safely handle them. Watch a short slide presentation about electronics scrap, or view one of our many videos about
recycling, composting, solid waste, or hazardous waste. The various displays attract interest from a wide range of
age groups, from preschoolers, elementary through college students, and senior adults. The Garbage Garage is an accessible facility.

You can also step outside and relax on our recycled plastic picnic tables or benches.

Sound interesting? Call (970) 498-5772 to arrange a visit. To see what other facilities and activities can be added to your tour, view the
Garbage Garage brochure. All sorts of trashy fun and education awaits you!